Our Consulting Team

Our consulting team helps businesses across Connecticut to find opportunities for top line growth and bottom line improvements. They’re seasoned experts who work in concert with your team to achieve extraordinary results. Not just consultants, they’re your advisors for the long haul, helping you implement proven tools and learn problem solving skills that serve your company in perpetuity.

Bonnie Del ContePresident

A Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Connecticut Society of CPAs.

Bonnie Del Conte

President

Primary Responsibilities

Bonnie leads the development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan, supporting both the CONNSTEP mission and vision; and working closely with the company’s Board of Directors, Bonnie oversees strategy implementation for long term results.

Notable Performances

With over twenty-five years of successful corporate leadership experience, Bonnie has provided financial and tax planning services to small to medium sized businesses, as well as, operational management in both the service and manufacturing industries. Prior to her becoming president of CONNSTEP, Bonnie was the co-founder of a women-owned accounting and technology resource company.

Achievements

A member of the Connecticut Energy Workforce Development Consortium and the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission Advanced Manufacturing Work Group, Bonnie has also served on the Connecticut Innovation Ecosystem Planning Group, and is a member of the state’s team for the National Governors’ Association Policy Academy. She has served as an adviser to the board of the Bristol Historical Society and in March of 2011, she was selected as one of the “Eight Remarkable Women” in business by the Hartford Business Journal. Additionally, Bonnie is a judge for the Connecticut FIRST robotics regional competition.

Bonnie is a Magna cum Laude graduate of Central Connecticut State University, a Certified Public Accountant, and a member of the Connecticut Society of CPA’s.

Jack CraneDirector, Growth & Innovation Services

Holder or co-holder of over 30 patents related to alloys, processes and/or products

Jack Crane

Director, Growth & Innovation Services

Primary Responsibilities

Jack provides manufacturers with guidance and mentoring in strategic planning, marketing, strategy deployment, particularly linking deployment with Lean activities, and new product development. He also assists manufacturers with materials problems related to fabrication and function and can provide a connection to UCONN’s Institute of Materials Science. Additionally, Jack helps to match inventors and start-ups seeking manufacturing assistance.

Notable Performances

Jack has a wealth of manufacturing experience, with a concentration in R&D, including product development and commercialization, as well as, materials processing and fabrication. He also facilitated the Connecticut Metal Finishers Training Network, helping to set-up a ten-week basic course for metal finishers. He developed the CERT program supported by CONNSTEP, NIST, and DECD, to improve growth of technology-based business in Connecticut.

Achievements

Jack holds a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Purdue University and a M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Yale University. Jack has authored or co-authored over 50 papers on new products, synthesis and fabrication of materials. Was chosen a Fellow of American Society of Materials, was a recipient of the UCONN Engineering Services Award, and NIST Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mark PaggioliDirector, Sales & Marketing

Mark Paggioli

Director, Sales & Marketing

Primary Responsibilities

Mark assists clients with top line growth, enhancing existing revenue stream, and resolving existing problems to remove barriers on the path to growth through product development, strategic planning, and demand generation.

Notable Performances

Mark brings over 25 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge with him, including strategic development, new product development, and demand generation through both online and offline media. He has experience aligning internal sales processes to create meaningful reporting and has worked with both B2B and B2C consumer package goods and sales of service. Mark has implemented new sales management methodologies, launched new products, and achieved desired performance ahead of schedule. During his tenure he has tripled an organization’s sales and worked across multiple industries, including, building products, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, communication, telecommunications, retail, and big tobacco.

Achievements

Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Central Connecticut State University. He also received the Cox Communication National Sales Award for his work during a new product launch.

Mike StimsonDirector of Operations

Mike Stimson

Mike leads CONNSTEP’s team of Business Growth Advisors, focusing on identifying client needs and matching the appropriate solutions to help them achieve their business objectives.

Notable Performances

Mike brings over 28 years of leadership experience to CONNSTEP in both the areas of operational and sales excellence. His background includes successfully leading teams of various sizes in a variety of industries including printing, direct marketing, aluminum extrusions, and commercial real estate development. With experience in Quality Assurance, Continuous Improvement, Plant Management, International Supply Chains, and Strategic Selling, Mike brings a comprehensive perspective to helping clients achieve their business goals and objectives.

Achievements

Mike is a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in International Relations.

Anna AndersonController

Anna Anderson

Controller

Primary Responsibilities

Anna is responsible for the financial operations of the organization including business analysis and reporting. Responsible for administration and reporting on state and federal grants including coordination of annual audit for federal and state single audit reporting.

Notable Performance

Anna has worked with a wide range of clients, including manufacturers, commercial printers, nursing homes, medical practices and non-profits.In addition to tax planning and filing, her career in public accounting and consulting concentrated on business analysis and strategy, system development and documentation, and problem resolution.

Achievements

A Magna cum Laude graduate of Western New England College, Anna holds a B.S. in Business Administration and is a member of the Connecticut Society of CPA’s.

Holly CiecierskiExecutive Administrative Assistant

Holly Ciecierski

Executive Administrative Assistant

Primary Responsibilities

Holly is responsible for CONNSTEP human resources and employee benefits, as well as, providing administrative support. She is also accountable for reporting to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Notable Performances

Holly has 30 years of experience in administrative and human resources, including ten years as a Human Resource Manager.

Achievements

Holly studied business at Gateway Community College and is certified in Microsoft Access. She is the former chairman of the STN Preservation and Housing committees.

Mike FinneganManager, Information Technology

Mike Finnegan

Manager, Information Technology

Primary Responsibilities

Mike creates and oversees IT strategy for the company, purchases all hardware and software, manages the operations of the server farm, regulates the network of roaming and office computers and develops the custom database and application programs for CONNSTEP’s internal use.

Notable Performances

Mike has over 25 years of experience in IT development, operations and management.

Achievements

Mike is a summa cum laude graduate of Western Connecticut State University. He holds a B.S. degree in Secondary Education, as well as, a B.A. in Psychology, and has recently worked toward his PhD at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Beth HuntProject and Resource Coordinator

Beth Hunt

Project and Resource Coordinator

Primary Responsibilities

Beth is responsible for the coordination of all CONNSTEP client projects, overseeing event logistics, and assisting with National Institute of Standards and Technology surveys. In her capacity as CONNSTEP’s project management process champion, Beth is responsible for coordinating the various resources of CONNSTEP to ensure client satisfaction.

Notable Performances

Beth assists in the coordination and execution of the bi-annual Continuous Improvement Champion Certification Program. She also supports the registration and set-up of the annual CONNSTEP Conference.

Achievements

Beth is proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, Vision, Salesforce.com, and is our resident subject matter expert on the National Institute of Standards and Technology website.

Bill CaplanBusiness Growth Consultant

A NIST Certified Trainer, qualified to deliver the entire MEP suite of products

Bill Caplan

Business Growth Consultant

Primary Responsibilities

Bill provides consulting services to a variety of organizations with a concentration in Lean business processes, and facilitating the design, development and implementation of Lean methodologies on an enterprise-wide basis. Bill is also a program leader for Continuous Improvement Champion Certification Program and is a core instructor for the CONNSTEP LEAD Program (Leveraging Executive Ability to Deploy Strategy). He provides both classroom and hands-on, on-site training and facilitation.

Notable Performances

Bill has more than 25 years of management experience with a focus on the applications of Lean Thinking principles. He has held a variety of positions in industrial engineering, operations, general plant management, logistics and materials management. Past projects include providing facilitation and leadership for the development and implementation of improvements at the value stream and enterprise levels, as well as, focused point solution improvement project.

Achievements

A graduate of Western New England College, Bill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Masters in Business Administration, Finance.

James HabeckerQuality Consultant

James Habecker

Quality Consultant

Primary Responsibilities

Jim manages CONNSTEP’s Quality Management Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Arizona State, is a Six Sigma Blackbelt, and is a certified ISO 9001:2008 auditor.

Notable Performances

Jim’s background includes over 14 years working in a variety of operational positions in both manufacturing and residential construction, including a substantial amount of time implementing and leading QMS processes. In addition to his experience in ISO/TS standards, Jim has spent a substantial amount of time leading Lean & Six Sigma projects, with a focus on tying together the QMS and Continuous Improvement processes of a manufacturing business.

Achievements

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Arizona State, is also a Six Sigma Blackbelt as well as a certified ISO 9001:2008 auditor.

Matin KarbassioonBusiness Growth Consultant

Certified by the Supplier Excellence Alliance (SEA) to deliver the Lean Enterprise System to suppliers of Aerospace and Defense OEMs to ensure American competitiveness

A NIST certified trainer

Matin Karbassioon

Business Growth Consultant

Primary Responsibilities

Matin provides consulting, training, facilitation and mentoring to manufacturers, healthcare institutions, and government agencies in pursuit of enterprise-wide excellence. He is also a program leader for the CONNSTEP Continuous Improvement Champion Certification Program.

Notable Performances

Skilled in applying best business practices and leadership principles to continuously improve productivity, quality and throughput, Matin has developed a number of training programs in Continuous Improvement as well as problem solving techniques. Throughout his thirty year career, Matin has held key positions in Engineering and Operations and has successfully led global enterprise-wide lean initiatives in a variety of manufacturing companies.

Achievements

Matin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

Bill KirchherrBusiness Growth Consultant

A NIST Certified Trainer, qualified to deliver the entire MEP suite of products

Bill Kirchherr

Business Growth Consultant

Primary Responsibilities

Bill provides superior consulting services to a variety of manufacturing companies with a concentration in Lean Manufacturing, providing services tailored to client needs. Engagements have included VSM, work cell design, work flow, Kanban, 5S, set up reduction and problem solving in both shop and front office environments. Bill provides both classroom and hands-on training. He also facilitates the design, development, and implementation of Lean methodologies on an enterprise-wide basis.

Notable Performances

Bill has more than 25 years of management experience with a particular focus in operations and Lean Manufacturing and has held a variety of positions in operations and production and materials management. Bill has conducted in excess of 500 Kaizen and training events.

Achievements

Past projects include providing facilitation and leadership for the successful implementation of point solution improvement projects as well as the development and implementation of improvements at the value stream level. He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Science with a major in Economics from Westfield State College.

Roy LaunBusiness Growth Consultant

Roy Laun

Business Growth Consultant

Primary Responsibilities

Roy assists manufacturing companies implement improvements that lead to better operational and financial performance, utilizing contemporary tools such as Six Sigma, plant layout, DFM & DFMA, and Lean principles. Roy is involved with the analysis of present operations and in making recommendations for improved performance, developing action plans, providing education and supporting implementations for results.

Achievements

Roy graduated with a B.S. in Engineering from The University of Hartford with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering. He was awarded a Master of Science Degree in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He also has an MBA from the University of Hartford in Operations Management.

Laurel SucheckiBusiness Growth Consultant

Laurel Suchecki

Business Growth Consultant

Primary Responsibilities

Laurel provides consulting services to a variety of organizations with a concentration in Lean Business Processes. Laurel assists clients seeking to improve their processes in both areas of through put and quality with the ultimate goal of bottom line growth. She provides both classroom and hands-on training.

Notable Performance

Laurel has over 20 years of manufacturing experience, with a focus on continuous improvement. She has held a number of positions within operations, engineering and management and has facilitated events for improvement throughout North America as well as internationally. She has trained hundreds in Lean Principles to help create cultures of Lean Thinkers.

Achievements

Laurel graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Haven, with a minor in Business Administration.

Laura MerolaMarketing Specialist

Laura Merola

Marketing Specialist

Primary Responsibilities

Laura manages several local and state outreach initiatives, in addition to developing communication strategies, and provides market research and analytics reporting for CONNSTEP. She also plans and organizes CONNSTEP’s educational events and seminars.

Notable Performances

Laura brings several years of B2B and B2C marketing experience to CONNSTEP, notably providing data reporting and analysis, and relationship management expertise stemming for her professional experience in the education industry where she worked for a regionally recognized career and technical institute. Previously, Laura was a successful sales and events manager for a vineyard, which produces and distributes wine locally in Connecticut. Other notable industry experience includes Banking and Finance, Retail Sales, and Catering.

Achievements

Laura earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, with a minor in Advertising from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is an accomplished equestrian, an avid golfer, and has cooked professionally for many years.

Primary Responsibilities

Notable Performances

Kate has both business to business and business to consumer experience. She was US Marketing Manager for NTT Com Security, a global information security and risk management organization. Kate was also Marketing Manager at Varatys, a B2B software development company specializing in visualization technology for the building industry.

Achievements

Kate holds a BA in Graphic Design from Colby-Sawyer College as well as a MBA: Marketing from DeVry Keller Graduate School.

Frank RioSpecial Projects Administrator

Active member of the Institute for Supply Management-Connecticut (ISM-CT)

Frank Rio

Special Projects Administrator

Primary Responsibilities

Frank provides business development and Buy American Supplier Scouting for National Institute of Standards and Technology. Frank also provides other supplier scouting for CONNSTEP clients and special project services through management of client outreach programs.

Notable Performances

Frank has extensive experience in both the buying and selling sides in telecommunication, defense and aerospace industries. Prior to working with CONNSTEP, Frank worked in contracts management and government sales.

Achievements

Frank holds an M.A. in Economics from Fordham University and a B.S. in Economics from Fairfield University. He has taught classes in economics at Manchester Community College and Central Connecticut State University.

Bob AllardBusiness Growth Advisor

Bob has over 30 years of Connecticut manufacturing experience, including:

Machine tool manufacturing and design

Prototype development

Product configuration, compliance, and testing

Bob Allard

Business Growth Advisor

Primary Responsibilities

Bob is responsible for sales and business development in the South Central and Southwestern Connecticut Regions.

Notable Performances

In addition to his tenure in engineering and manufacturing, Bob spent over nine years as a an executive recruiter and sales trainer, specializing in the placement of engineering and manufacturing professionals and received consecutive client development awards for eight of those nine years.

Achievements

Bob is a past member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the Connecticut Association of Personnel Consultants (CAPS) where he served as a board member.

Achievements

EJ HowardBusiness Growth Advisor

EJ Howard

Business Growth Advisor

Primary Responsibilities
EJ is responsible for sales and business development in the North Eastern and South Eastern regions of Connecticut. As a trusted advisor, he works hard to ensure he connects clients with the right solutions to serve their needs, helping them build more efficient and profitable companies.

Notable Performances
EJ has over 15 years of business to business solution selling and sales management experience in the Central Connecticut region. He has significant experience in payroll, human resources, health insurance, marketing, and advertising, offering a significant amount of added value to the businesses he works with. EJ has expertise utilizing CRM systems to maximize sales performance, and in utilizing social media as business development tool.

Achievements
EJ graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Physical Education. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Human Resources Association of Central CT and the CT Society of Association Executives, and also served on the Corporate Committee for the Cherish the Children Foundation. EJ has a passion for youth sports, with over 25 years of coaching experience. He obtained his CT Coaching Certification while attending CCSU, and currently coaches and sits on the Board of Directors for Belltown Little League in East Hampton, CT.

John McCarrollBusiness Growth Advisor

Nominated for the 2011 MEP Practitioner of the Year Award, recognizing his dedication to the MEP mission and CONNSTEP clients.

Author of “Computerized Part Programming for Numerical Control”

Served on the board of Connecticut’s Aerospace Components Manufacturer’s Group

John McCarroll

Business Growth Advisor

Primary Responsibilities

John assists owners and executives of small and mid-sized Connecticut manufacturers plan and deploy game changing continuous improvement.

Notable Performances

John has over 40 years of manufacturing expertise. His professional experience includes several general management roles, primarily in the aerospace industry. John’s vast experience also includes R&D, total supply-chain management, global purchasing initiatives, marketing, and Lean Manufacturing.

Achievements

A graduate of the University of Michigan, John earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Count On Great ROI

Over the past year we helped more than 300 companies to achieve results like these:

> 50% Faster Lead Times

> 25% More Productivity/Capacity

> 50% Less Inventory

> 25% Improved Quality

> 50% Better Space Utilization

Our project successes are independently verified. Returns on project investments are compounded by achieving ongoing benefits like this, year after year. Discover how we can help you achieve your company’s goals.

Get Expert Advice

We’ll point you in the right direction, from the first conversation. Please get in touch.

Contact Continuous Improvement

“CONNSTEP solved a huge problem for us and helped us bring our delivery rate to 100%. As a direct result of that, we have been awarded with an increase in business which, ultimately, will also benefit (our supplier) Har-Conn.”

Chris DePentima

CEO, Pegasus Manufacturing Inc.

“We view the team at CONNSTEP as trusted advisors and enjoy an open relationship with them. We use lean and continuous improvement to fully engage our staff, be responsive to our customers’ needs and remain competitive.”

Bob Luther

CEO, Lex Products

“I see great value in the new experiences and perspectives CONNSTEP brings to our business, at reasonable prices. They’re not like consultants, they’re like partners in the business – willing to roll up their sleeves and help.”

Mark Burzynski

President, Arthur G Russell Co

“CONNSTEP has proved to be a tremendous resource for ESI. CONNSTEP has helped us to adapt to today’s marketplace and remain a quality minded, competitive global player. Our ISO/TS16949 implementation process was efficient and rewarding. I look forward to our future projects with CONNSTEP.”

Ron Delfini

President, Engineering Specialties Inc.

“CONNSTEP worked with FuelCell Energy to educate and facilitate Lean initiatives and to help meet our needs to establish an overall production improvement plan. This plan has been utilized over a period of time as a ‘guiding light’ to spur numerous improvements that dramatically reduced our product cost.”

Tom Lucas

Manager, Fuel Cell Energy

“CONNSTEP is a valuable partner to Hologic, providing the expertise and ‘outside eyes’ everyone needs to keep their continuous improvement on track. We are now well-positioned on a dynamic growth path and look forward to a long-term relationship with CONNSTEP.”

Greg Safarik

VP Manufacturing Operations, Hologic

“Our experience working with CONNSTEP has brought us benefits we never expected. It’s a great team to work with!”

Bruce Wheeler

VP of Operations, Metal Finishing Technologies Inc.

“The goals of the team were to reduce manufacturing lead-time, reduce floor space utilized, and increase worker productivity. All the goals were met. CONNSTEP helped us to better compete.”

Dan Rubbo

General Manager, Tornik LLC

“The Business Growth Program is working well for us. We enhanced our website following the meetings to improve our SEO and become more visible to search engines. The segment on negotiating … promoted changes in our thinking and improved how we interact with customers. The mentoring between sessions was helpful in boosting our progress.”